Concern over pipeline | Letter

I am deeply concerned by the proposed expansion of Canada’s Trans Mountain pipeline and the resulting increase in oil tanker traffic that would occur in the restricted waters adjacent to the San Juan Islands. The additional 816 yearly tanker transits to and form the Westridge Terminal in Vancouver, B.C. would produce a sevenfold increase in shipping past the San Juan Islands each year. This would dangerously escalate the risk of a highly toxic oil spill in our waters — a risk to our health and our environment which we are ill equipped to deal with.

The Washington State Department of Ecology and the San Juan County Council both need seats at the table in any discussions which authorize such an expansion. I urge both to apply to Canada’s National Energy Board as Intervenors in the National Energy Board’s review of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion proposal.

I urge all San Juan County residents to contact our County Council and the Washington State Department of Ecology to express your concern.